Inside / Outside Circles

This strategy engages students by giving them the opportunity to share opinions with other students on a high interest topic. Sharing opinions gets students invested in the lesson.Step 1: Create 2 circles of students, one around the other. Students on the inside face out, and students on the outside circle face in.

Step 2: Give students 1-2 minutes to discuss their opinions on a hot button issue. This can be separated into 1 minute of talk time for the inside circle, and then 1 min for the outside, or pairs can be left to use the time as they please.

Step 3: When the timer runs out have students rotate and discuss the topic,as well as their previous discussion with another classmate.

For best results: Keep this activity brief, and provide well structured questions. The goal is for this to engage students, not take up the entire class period.